BBAW 2012: Blogger Interview Swap with Melissa from One Librarian’s Book Reviews

Welcome to day two of Book Blogger Appreciation Week 2012! Today is Interview Swap day, and I have the privilege of interviewing Melissa, who blogs at One Librarian’s Book Reviews. After reading her answers to my questions, I encourage you to click over and check out her great reviews, especially if you’re a parent looking for books for your kids.

Tell me your favorite thing about being a librarian.

I love when I can connect a person with just what they are looking for, whether it’s an article or a piece of information or a new favorite book. It’s very satisfying and rewarding to feel like you are helping someone.

Tell me your least favorite thing about being a librarian.

Currently, as a college librarian, it’s not feeling like I am helping students. Often this is because they just don’t want to ask for help in finding something or they don’t even know there is a librarian to help. I hate feeling useless

As a mom of a ten-year-old boy who is a reluctant reader, which books would you suggest I point him toward?

It definitely depends on what types of things do interest him. If he’s into movies, finding a tie-in to a favorite movie can spark that interest. If he likes video games, there are often game-related books or graphic novels that he might like. There are lots of great graphic novels and comic books that can interest those who are intimidated or just don’t like books that are heavy on text. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is generally an easy and fun introduction to reading. Parents often have to be willing to accept their kids reading stuff they might consider not “true literature,” like comics or graphic novels or highly illustrated books. If you can get that initial spark, they will generally move on to other types of books eventually

Do you listen to audiobooks? Why or why not? If so, any favorite narrators?

I’ve become very addicted to audiobooks recently – they are my salvation on a long commute! I mostly love to listen to them as a distraction from traffic (and to help avoid road rage :). I’d have to say my favorite ever is Katherine Kellgren, who does a fabulous job on the Bloody Jack series. Also, Simon Jones who did a fabulous job with the Bartimaeus books.

What is your favorite thing about being a book blogger?

I love being able to chat about books and reading with so many fabulous online friends. I don’t have as many book-obsessed people in real life to chat with, so book blogging fills that need.

Which book blogs should I be reading (if I’m not already)?

Oh, it’s hard to pick just a few! I love reading Suey’s blog, It’s All About Books for her eclectic taste and unique voice; Small Review always can convince me to pick up a book with her very persuasive reviews; Susan at Bloggin’ ’bout Books has eerily similar tastes to my own; Jenny at Alternate Readality gives her uncensored and bluntly honest reviews; Charlotte of Charlotte’s Library keeps me up-to-date on my sci-fi and fantasy MG reads; and Stacked by Kimberly, Kelly, and Jen, who always have thoughtful discussions and in-depth reviews.

What are your favorite reads of 2012 so far?

I fell in love with For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund, a lovely sci-fi retelling of Persuasion. Also, The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy, narrated by Bronson Pinchot, kept me laughing for days during my commute. Also loved the Robin Hood tale Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen. And about a million others

Thanks so much to Melissa for interviewing me and being interviewed – as well as adding to my to-read list.